Interchangeable Sports Grip

ABSTRACT

An interchangeable sports grip apparatus and method of engagement including an inner shaft sleeve and outer grip sleeve, where the inner shaft sleeve has channels with lateral slots and the outer grip sleeve includes projections within the inner surface of the grip member. The outer grip sleeve slides over the inner shaft sleeve and the projections engage with the lateral slots and the lock the interchangeable grip to a sports stick shaft, allowing a user to change his sports grips with ease.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims the benefit of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/190,851, filed on Feb. 26, 2014, which claims the benefit of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/922,633 filed on Jun. 20, 2013, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/663,328 filed on Jun. 22, 2012, and claims the benefit of and takes priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/936,579 filed on Feb. 6, 2014, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Further, this application is a continuation-in-part and claims the benefit of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/922,633 filed on Jun. 20, 2013, which claims the benefit of U.S Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/663,328 filed on Jun. 22, 2012, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to sporting good apparatuses, more particularly to sport shafts and golf shaft grips with interchangeable characteristics in order to allot the user various strategic choices during purchase, practice, and game play.

2. Description of the Related Art

On present day sports equipment, such as tennis rackets, field hockey sticks, lacrosse sticks, racket ball rackets, squash rackets, hockey sticks, and the like, and in particular golf clubs, the grip of the club is attached to the opposite end of the shaft from the head of the club, and is the part of the club the player holds on to while swinging. Originally, grips were composed of one or more leather strips wrapped around the shaft. The leather outer wrap on a grip is still seen on some clubs, but most modern grips are a one-piece “sleeve” made of rubber, or some other synthetic or composite material, which is slid over the shaft and secured with an adhesive. In the case of golf clubs, these sleeve grips allow club makers and golfers to customize the grip's diameter, consistency (softness/firmness) and texturing pattern to best fit the player. Clubs with an outer “wrap” of leather or leather-like synthetic still typically have a “sleeve” form underneath to add diameter to the grip and give it its basic profile.

Advances in materials have resulted in more durable, longer-lasting soft grips, but nevertheless grips do eventually dry out, harden, get worn, or are otherwise damaged and must be replaced. Replacement grips sold as do-it-yourself kits are generally inexpensive and of high quality, although custom grips that are larger, softer, or textured differently from the everyday “wrap”-style grip are generally bought and installed by a professional.

Re-gripping often requires toxic, flammable solvents to soften and activate the adhesive, and a vise to hold the club steady while the grip is forced on. However, the newest replacement kits use double-sided tape with a water-activated adhesive that is slippery when first activated, allowing for easier installation. Once the adhesive cures, it creates a very strong bond between grip and shaft and the grip is usually impossible to remove without cutting it off.

Presently, many golf grips are secured to a golf club shaft by use of double sided adhesive tape. Tape is applied to a golf club shaft. Acetone is poured over the adhesive tape to eliminate the adhesive nature on a short term basis. The grip is pressed over the end of a shaft with the adhesive tape and slid into position. The adhesive tape becomes adhesive very quickly making grip placement difficult. Movement of the grip is difficult as the adhesive tape grabs the grip making proper alignment difficult. The end of a shaft is reverse tapered so the shaft end is much larger than a grip opening, also making placement difficult.

Additionally, as mentioned above, in current systems, removal and replacement of a grip normally takes a great amount of time and labor as the grip must be cut off and the adhesive must also be removed. Therefore, as this involves a tedious, labor intensive and time consuming process, it is virtually impossible for users to test different grips on clubs to ascertain which feel suits the user. It would be advantageous to be able to try on different grips to determine which is preferable to a golfer.

In order to re-grip a tennis, racket ball, squash, or like rackets one must unwrap the leather or rubber grips, remove the adhesive, apply new adhesive, and then rewrap. It is a long process and not easily changed. It is difficult and almost impossible to try different diameter, length or other size characteristics as the base is a defined diameter and the wrap is limited in its thickness.

Presently, golf clubs, tennis and other sports rackets, are sold with a grip, shaft, and club head predetermined by golf club manufacturers. If a golfer prefers a different type of grip, either based on material, size, shape, color, or other characteristic, be it structural or aesthetic, the golfer must have the component changed after the purchase is completed. The sportsman does not have the opportunity to try many different variations without great difficulty. Currently, placement and replacement of golf grips on golf club shafts is extremely tedious as there is difficulty in both removing and installing the grips. The present, time consuming, process does not allow for changing a grip at the time of purchase.

Presently, golf grips are placed on a shaft by placing double adhesive tape onto the shaft, covering the length of the grip. The inner layer of the adhesive tape provides a secure interface to the shaft, while the outer layer of adhesive tape provides a secure interface to the inside of the grip. Unfortunately, it is difficult to slide the grip over the adhesive surface of the tape and solutions, such as acetone, are poured over the adhesive tape and into the grip to produce a slippery surface, which allows the grip to slide down the shaft. However if the solvent evaporates too quickly, which happens often, the grip gets stuck half way.

Golf club heads are normally screwed onto shafts in such a manner as to change their position by creating a different loft, opening or closing the face angle. Normally, club heads are tried on to fit a person's height and swing such that the sole of a head is striking the ground in the middle. When it is determined which club head is appropriate, the information is sent to a manufacturer to have the club custom manufactured.

Presently, systems have been patented to offer alternative techniques to replace worn grips without the use of adhesives. Primarily, screw or threaded components are used; however, they are never designed such that a company offers various grip choices at time of purchase. In addition, the cost of manufacturing is too high to make it realistic to offer choices.

The present invention offers a sportsman a choice of the appropriate grip by allowing them to try different grips varying by size, shape, surface, feel, materials, aesthetics, and the like regardless of the technique to join the grip to the shaft. The method of joining must be done in a quick efficient manner so that many grips may be tried in a short time. When a sportsman makes a decision to purchase a grip, the grip may be fixed permanently or left as reversible to be changed later if the wrong choice was made.

It would also be advantageous to offer as an alternative, but not required, option of have sliding components that lengthen or shorten the shaft. A grip with a hollow core is constructed such that it could slide up and down a shaft and be fixed reversibly at any point or fixed points. The grip is secured by increasing adhesion, friction, mechanical lock, double path of insertion, Velcro, screw or posts, clamping, or the like.

Present systems to change club length require re-shafting or cutting an existing shaft with re-gripping or purchasing a new club.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The instant apparatus and system, as illustrated herein, is clearly not anticipated, rendered obvious, or even present in any of the prior art mechanisms, either alone or in any combination thereof. A versatile system, method and series of apparatuses for creating and utilizing a sports grip and interchangeable sport grips for sports equipment, which are changed in a quick efficient manner are presented to understand the concept of quick change at the point of purchase. Point of purchase qualifies as any location wherein people normally purchase clubs and accessories, including sporting goods stores, Golf Stores, Golf Course Pro Shops and Online retailers.

Thus, a sportsman is herein quickly able to test the suitability of different grips with a specific club and purchase the desired configuration on the spot. The techniques reviewed offer a sportsman the ability to select the best grip for optimum performance. Thus, the several embodiments of the instant apparatus are illustrated herein.

The present invention provides a concept to secure or place a sports club grip to a club shaft in a quick manner and removal without the use of present adhesive tape or adhesives systems. Controlled adhesion, reversible adhesion, friction, mechanical lock, threaded components, screw lock, screw retention, snap, Velcro, tape, interlocking components, differential adhesive tape, and other common reversible techniques allowing quick removal are used. In an alternative technique, a grip is constructed with internal structures that snap, engage, thread, slide, or lock into structures on a shaft or components attached to a shaft. The grip is solid elastic material or is adhered to a plastic, metal, or other material internal component. The internal components may be one piece or constructed of several components. The shaft is tapered, parallel, or reverse tapered at the grip end. A parallel end is the preferred shape especially when sliding a grip up and down a shaft to increase or decrease club length is desired. The shaft has areas shaped to accept components on the grip that create resistance to grip removal or it uses components that insert into the shaft or grip that is friction fit such that the amount of friction is controlled for removal or fixing into place.

In one embodiment, a grip to shaft interface is designed to resist forces applied naturally and use the direction of no applied force as a path for snapping and securing components together. For example, a set of forces acting onto a golf club are generated while striking a golf ball. The swinging motion generated around a person's body creates centripetal forces, which could cause dislodgement of a shaft from a grip if proper resistance is not provided. Striking a ball with the club head creates rotational forces in one direction. Striking the ground forces a shaft into a grip. Components of the new invention, in several versions, utilize the fact that little to no force is applied in the opposite rotation created by ball striking.

Twisting of a shaft in a grip while striking a ball is resisted by components constructed on a shaft and within a grip. Twisting in the opposite direction is resisted by snap components, which compress, or bend, and release into, or passed, indentations or other components. Enough force is easily generated by hand twisting to disengage snap locks; however, the force is more than is generated by using a club during a round of golf. In addition, forces of hands on a grip secure it further to a shaft, as components that need to expand for release are compressed. For the snap adaptation, there exist at least three known main types of snap fits: annular, cantilever, and torsional.

In an exemplary embodiment, components in a golf club grip will compress, and thus the diameter of the grip will expand as the downward force of the grip placement occurs. As the compression of components, or grip diameter expansion, is released the shaft components are engaged. A grip is held in position by these components. As illustrated herein, there may be as few as one component and as many as thousands depending on their size.

Depending upon the amount of usage, golf club grips regularly require removal and replacement. It is convenient if grips are interchangeable so that one is able to try different grips on golf clubs in order to see which grip is the most effective for a particular golfer. In one embodiment of the instant apparatus, grip removal can be predetermined to be difficult to avoid accidental separation during use. In yet another embodiment, removal and replacement may be rendered effortless in order to allow a golfer to test different grips and see which grip feels best.

For example, a grip is snapped onto a shaft and tested by a golfer at a driving range. There is concern as a grip is used and internal wear occurs, a grip may unsnap and release a shaft potentially causing someone bodily harm. To avoid this, a lock component, such as a screw going through the grip and into a shaft, is engaged once a grip is selected. The snap components allow of quick change and easy testing while lock components provide safety during use. In addition, it is against USGA regulations to play with clubs which allow alteration during play. Lock mechanisms provide safety and adherence to the rules of golf.

An exemplary example of the benefit of quick change for testing at the point of purchase is the ability to readily change grips for putter use, as this feature would lend golfers the ability to test a thicker or thinner, longer or shorter, softer or firmer, tapered or parallel, of various colors, sticky or slick, oval or round or flat, and all present variations of present grips. A putter grip can be constructed to slide up and down a shaft to make a putter shorter or longer offering a golfer the ability to trying different length putter without changing the putter. Presently, a golfer must alter a putter shaft to try different lengths unless multiple putters of the same design are present at a point of purchase with different lengths. If a shaft is cut down to try a shorter length it is an arduous process of removing a grip, cutting a shaft and regripping. If a golfer decides it is too short, it may be impossible to lengthen the shaft again.

Additionally, although the herein embodiments of gripping mechanisms have been highlighted, the instant system and all embodiment thereof may be readily adapted for attachment of a club head to a shaft in an identical way. This will be very important when golfers would like to try different combinations grips, shafts, and club heads.

It is an object of the present system to introduce the concept of quick change at point of purchase regardless of the method used. Currently, the choices at point of purchase and after purchase are limited by the complexity to change components in a quick, efficient manner that allow for use immediately after change. With the present invention, there would be an almost limitless amount of various choices offered at point of purchase based on shape, size, material, texture, color, and other common grips characteristics, which cannot be offered without great difficulty with present systems. The quick change of grips at the point of purchase allows a sportsman the ability to try and select the best grip for them is different from the previous systems intended to make change easier. There are systems previously patented which allow for easier grip changing, however, most are very expensive to manufacture, unrealistic to use at point of purchase, and have not been proposed or actually been done at point of purchase.

There are many techniques for quick exchange of grips and club heads that can be applied in order for a customer in a store to assess different grips, shafts, and club heads to determine which combination best suits the customer at the time of purchase. The customer will more likely buy a club if the feel is better based on the grip, shaft control and head performance. Determining which combination is better achieved by trying different components. In addition, if a customer determines that they do not like the grip, shaft, or club head after the purchase of the golf clubs, they have the opportunity to easily return and exchange any of them with another.

It is also an object of the present system to reveal and review, as seen in previous patents by the inventor, a series of easy exchange techniques to be utilized as grips, shafts, or club heads wear, allowing for easy replacement of old worn grips with new ones, particularly as grips wear out several times a year for many golfers. Presently, the replacement of old worn grips is accomplished by a professional club manufacturer or by the sportsman himself. If a golfer attempts to perform the replacement, the cost is reduced as the cost of profession labor is thus eliminated.

It is a primary object of the present system to introduce the concept of interchangeable components, especially grips, that results in ease of placement and potential cost savings, which will inherently result in greater profits for golf companies and courses, as well as providing a better brand of golf club for the user as the ability to have fresh grips and heads, without having to wait for a professional to perform replacement, will enable players to always possess their A-game as determined at point of purchase and after purchase.

It is an object of the present system to reveal techniques which allow exchangeable and interchangeable grips, shafts, and club heads can include snap, screw, Velcro, interlocking, channels, Morses taper, friction or like methods of joining and disconnection parts quickly. The concept is not limited to just these techniques, however, the techniques are used illustrate a methodology of use.

It is a further object of the instant system to introduce and review systems which allow a company to design components in such a manner that only their replacement components can be used. Presently, tens of millions of dollars are lost by companies as replacement grips are manufactured and sold by other companies. The replacement companies make tens of millions of dollars supplying replacement grips. Internal components in a grip or grip insert are designed to match design features, inserts, or an altered shaft such that only these grips will fit for replacement. A golfer will need to buy replacement grips from the original manufacturer, dramatically increasing their profits.

It is a further object of the instant system to introduce and review a first manner or method in which components may be constructed to facilitate quick exchange wherein a shaft may be composed of uniform construction such that each end facilitates the technique of removal. It is a further object of the instant system to introduce a manner or method in which components may be constructed to facilitate quick exchange wherein a shaft is constructed and altered after construction such as placing holes, grooves, threads, taper, slots, projections or the like.

It is a further object of the instant system to introduce and review a manner or method in which components may be constructed to facilitate quick exchange wherein an existing shaft is cut and inserts into the shaft are placed, or inserts are placed into or onto a shaft without cutting. In one embodiment, a shaft may comprise a groove, slot, dimple or like placed into a shaft during manufacture or is altered after manufacture to provide the desired result. In an additional embodiment, a shaft may be cut and an insert fitted and glued with materials, such as epoxy, which are used to hold club heads to shafts.

It is a further object of the instant system to introduce and review a method of controlling friction or adhesion for quick change.

It is an object of the instant system to introduce and review utilization of compression mechanisms, adhesion control and friction fit mechanisms, including the employment of high coefficient of friction retention, in order or to realize interchangeable sports grips to be utilized on numerous platforms including sports clubs, sticks, shafts, and bats.

It is an object of the instant system to introduce a system which employs compression, friction fit, or friction force fit principles, with or without the presence of additional mechanisms such as snaps, cavities, indentations or any other retaining apparatuses, in order to restrain, and release, sports clubs, sticks, shafts and bats. Thus, it is an object of the instant system to introduce a system which requires no alteration to existing sports clubs, sticks, shafts, and bats, whatsoever, due to the inherent properties of compression and friction restraint.

It is an additional object of the instant system to introduce a system which employs compression, friction fit, or friction force principles, in conjunction with additional mechanisms such as snaps, cavities, indentations, or any other retaining apparatuses, in any combination available, in order to restrain and release sports clubs, sticks, shafts, bats, and like sports instruments.

The instant system provides several methods to secure a golf club grip to a golf club shaft without the use of present adhesive tape and adhesive systems. A grip is constructed with internal structures that snap or lock into structures on a shaft or components attached to a shaft. The grip may include solid elastic material or may be adhered to a plastic, metal, or other material internal component. The internal components may be one piece or constructed of several components. The shaft is tapered, parallel or reverse tapered at the grip end. A parallel is the preferred shape. The shaft has may have areas shaped to accept components on the grip that create resistance to grip removal.

As a means of explanation, a set of forces acting onto a golf club are generated while striking a golf ball. The swinging motion generated around a person's body creates centripetal forces, which could cause dislodgement of a shaft from a grip if proper resistance is not provided. Striking a ball with the club head creates rotational forces in one direction. In several versions of the invention components utilize the fact that little to no force is applied in the opposite rotation created by ball striking.

Twisting of a shaft in a grip while striking a ball is resisted by components constructed on a shaft and within a grip. Twisting in the opposite direction is resisted by snap components, which compress, or bend, and release into, or passed, indentations or other components. Enough force is easily generated by hand twisting to disengage snap locks, however, the force is more than is generated by using a club during a round of golf. In addition, forces of hands on a grip secure it further to a shaft as components that need to expand for release are compressed. For the snap adaptation, there exist at least three known main types of snap fits: annular, cantilever, and torsional.

In an exemplary embodiment, components in a golf club grip will compress, and thus the diameter of the grip will expand as the downward force of the grip placement occurs. Compression of the components or grip diameter expansion is released and engagement of shaft components is engaged. A grip is held in position by these components. As illustrated herein, there may be as few as one component and as many as thousands depending on their size.

Depending upon the amount of usage, golf club grips regularly require removal and replacement. It is convenient if grips are interchangeable so users are able to try different grips on golf clubs to see which grip is most effective for them. In one embodiment of the instant apparatus, grip removal can be predetermined to be difficult in order to avoid accidental separation during use. In yet another embodiment, removal and replacement may be render effortless in order to allow a golfer to test different grips and see which grip feels best.

Moreover, the ability to readily change grips may be especially important for putter use, as this feature would lend golfers the ability to test a thicker or thinner grip. Additionally, although the herein embodiments of gripping mechanisms have been highlighted, the instant system and all embodiment thereof may be readily adapted for attachment of a club head to a shaft in an identical manner and, this is extremely important when golfers would like to try different combinations grips, shafts, and club heads.

It is an object of the present system to additionally introduce and employ several techniques for the quick exchange of grips and club heads in order for customer in a store to assess different grips, shafts, and club heads to determine which combination best suits the customer at the time of purchase. The customer will more likely buy a club if the feel is better based on the grip, shaft control, and head performance. Determining which combination is better achieved by trying different components. In addition, if a customer determines that they do not like the grip, shaft, or club head after the purchase of the golf clubs they have the opportunity to easily return and exchange them with others.

It is also an object of the present system to reveal a series of easy exchange techniques to be utilized as grips, shafts, or club heads wear, allowing for easy replacement of old worn grips with new ones, particularly as grips wear out several times a year for many golfers. Presently, the replacement of old worn grips is accomplished by a professional club manufacturer or by the golfer himself. If a golfer attempts to perform the replacement, the cost is reduced as the cost of profession labor is eliminated, however, the process is long and difficult, which is why most golfers do not change their own grips.

It is a primary object of the present system to introduce the concept of interchangeable components, especially grips, which results in the ease of placement and potential cost savings, which will inherently result in greater profits for golf companies and courses. It will also provide a better brand of golf clubs for the user as the ability to have fresh grips and heads, without having to wait for a professional to perform replacement, will enable players to always possess their “A-game.”

It is an object of the present system to reveal and review techniques which allow exchangeable and interchangeable grips, shafts and club heads that can include snap, screw, Velcro, interlocking, channels, Morse taper, friction or like methods of joining and disconnection parts quickly. It is a further object of the instant system to introduce several manners or methods in which components may be constructed to facilitate quick exchange.

It is a further object of the instant system to introduce and review a first manner or method in which components may be constructed to facilitate quick exchange wherein a shaft may be composed of uniform construction such that each end facilitates the technique of removal. This can include retro fitting to existing clubs with no shaft alteration. It is a further object of the instant system to introduce a second manner or method in which components may be constructed to facilitate quick exchange wherein a shaft is constructed and altered after construction such as placing holes, grooves, threads, taper, slots, projections or the like.

It is a further object of the instant system to introduce and review a third manner or method in which components may be constructed to facilitate quick exchange wherein an existing shaft is cut and inserts into the shaft are placed or inserts are placed into or onto a shaft without cutting. In one embodiment, a shaft may have a groove, slot, dimple or like placed into a shaft during manufacture or altered after manufacture for provide the desired result. In an additional embodiment, a shaft may be cut and an insert fitted and glued with materials such as epoxy, which are used to hold club heads to shafts.

It is an additional object of the instant system to introduce and review a method for providing the consumer with a point of purchase system wherein the consumer can purchase the sports equipment gripping mechanism, and particularly a golf club grip, that can be chosen to fit the consumer's requirements via the ability to interchange/exchange numerous grip types and sizes. Thus, the consumer can get in the store and complete the purchase of the grip and club of his choice within a matter of minutes, even as few as ten minutes.

It is an object of the instant system to introduce and review techniques for the quick exchange of grips, such that a customer in a store can try different grips and determine which grip and feel is most desirable at the time and point of purchase. As the consumer will be more likely to purchase a club if the feel is better based on the grip. Such a purchase is better achieved when the user possesses the ability to test different grips right at point of purchase. In addition, a consumer may determine that he does not like the grip after purchase of golf clubs and has the opportunity to easily return and exchange it with another interchangeable grip.

It is an object of the instant system to provide an easy replacement and exchange system which, when grips wear, affords the easy replacement of old worn grips with new ones. The replacement of old worn grips is accomplished by a professional or by the golfer himself. If the golfer does the replacement, the cost is reduced as the labor of a professional is eliminated. There is the ease of placement and a potential cost savings for the golfer. In addition, golfers will change grips more often for better play and in turn increase profits for companies.

Presently, a golfer must bring clubs to a professional to perform the re-gripping process. There are several disadvantages to this as the golfer must drive to the facility to both drop off and pick up the clubs. There are potentially several days a golfer is without the use of his clubs.

In the instant system, the techniques to allow exchangeable and interchangeable grips can include differential or reversible adhesives, snap, screw, Velcro, interlocking, tapers cut from a Morse taper, frictional or like methods of joining and disconnection parts quickly. The present invention combines these techniques, including friction and compression, with interlocks that secure the method of holding by blocking the path for disengaging. For example, a snap fit is covered with a second component which is threaded or snapped into place. For removal or unsnapping, the second component is removed and then the snap or the like is disengaged.

It is an object of the instant system, in one embodiment to disclose a shaft of uniform construction, altered after construction, where cuts and inserts are placed into the shaft. For example, a shaft may have a groove, slot, concavity, or the like placed into a shaft during manufacture or it can be altered after manufacture to provide the desired result. A shaft can be cut and an insert glued with materials, such as epoxy, used to hold club heads to shafts.

It is an additional object of the instant system, in one embodiment, to disclose and review a device wherein each manufacturer may possess a specific design configured so that only that designer's grips fit their clubs. In such a manner, the profit loss of others providing replacements is eliminated. There is more profit for the manufacturer of the club. For example, if Ping has a putter and Callaway has a putter, the interchangeable grips would have different configurations such that grips of Callaway do not fit a Ping putter and vice versa. This would eliminate companies which make grip replacements.

It is desirable, and included, in the present invention to replace grips on existing clubs without altering the existing shaft. A grip and the underlying adhesive tape on an existing club are removed. The grip of this invention is placed on the shaft and a threaded component applies pressure to an underlying component to create a tight frictional fit, such as a compression member.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the versatile golf club embodiments in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty, which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments thereof, description should be considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1A illustrates an embodiment of the present system comprising an inner shaft sleeve, wherein the shaft sleeve is manufactured with areas to substantially house and retain extended portions of the grip.

FIG. 1B illustrates an embodiment of the present system comprising an outer grip sleeve.

FIG. 1C illustrates the outer grip sleeve fitted over the inner shaft sleeve and locked to retain the outer grip sleeve in place.

FIG. 2A illustrates another embodiment of the inner shaft sleeve.

FIG. 2B illustrates another embodiment of the outer grip sleeve, additionally the use of a spring may be used to offset the difficulty in obtaining manufacturing tolerances.

FIG. 3A illustrates another embodiment of the present system showing yet another embodiment of the inner shaft sleeve and the outer grip sleeve, with the use of a locking mechanism.

FIG. 3B illustrates a fully assembled inner shaft sleeve and outer grip sleeve with a key lock locking mechanism fully engaged.

FIGS. 4A-4B illustrates yet another embodiment of the fully assembled inner shaft sleeve and outer grip sleeve utilizing a screw locking mechanism.

FIGS. 5A-5B illustrates an embodiment of the interchangeable sports grip apparatus as an interchangeable golf grip.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL EMBODIMENTS

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention and does not represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments.

FIGS. 1A-1C show one embodiment of the current interchangeable golf grip system wherein the system comprises an inner shaft sleeve 210, and an outer grip sleeve 212. The inner shaft sleeve 210, as seen in FIG. 1A comprises of a channel 222 with at least one lateral slot 224. Herein, the lateral slots 224 have dimples or indentations 218, 216 as seen in a cross section 220 of the inner shaft sleeve 210.

FIG. 1B illustrates the outer grip sleeve 212. The outer grip sleeve comprises of a grip member 228, wherein within the inside of the grip there are projection members 226. The projection members 226 extends inwardly from the inner surface of the grip member. Projection members may be configured in a variety of shapes including, but not limited to, round, square, triangular, oval, rectangular or trapezoidal.

The outer grip sleeve fits over the inner shaft sleeve with slidable abilities. When the outer grip sleeve slides over the inner shaft sleeve, the projections 226 slide down the channel 222 of the shaft 210 and line up with lateral slots 224. The outer grip sleeve 212 is rotated into the lateral slots 224 and engages the dimples or indentations 218 of the lateral slots. FIG. 1C illustrates the fully assembled interchangeable golf grip 214, wherein the outer grip sleeve fits over the inner shaft sleeve and the apertures are engaged with the lateral slots.

In yet another embodiment, when the outer grip sleeve is in slidable communication with the inner shaft sleeve, the internally disposed projection members engage with the lateral slots in slideable communication. The lateral slots may have a lateral slot end portion. When the outer grip sleeve is rotated with respect to the inner shaft sleeve, the internally disposed projection member engages the lateral slots, specifically the later slot end portion.

Golfers are right handed or left handed so the orientation of the apertures and lateral slots is dependent on the force of one or the other. A right handed golfer swings a golf club such that forces are pulling a shaft out of a grip and as the club strikes a ball force are rotational such that the shaft wants to rotate clockwise. The lateral slots 224 may have a distal wall which stops rotation in a clockwise direction. However, forces are minimal to none in a counter clockwise direction during use. Applied force in a counter clockwise direction disengages the pegs apertures from the dimples 218 of the lateral slots 224 so that the outer grip sleeve may be removed. In addition, lateral slots may run the length of the channel 222 and engage with a series of apertures within the outer grip sleeve for stronger resistance.

Additionally the use of a form of tension applying and retaining mechanism, such as a spring or torsion bar at the top of the shaft and inside of the grip, may be used to offset the difficulty in obtaining manufacturing tolerances. The use of this design can be combined with other versions to create the proper resistance and retention. The projections 224, 226 may be different sizes or placed a different intervals for different golf club manufacturers such that only one type of manufacture red golf grip fits the company's brand of golf club. There may be different distances, offsets, or numbers to make each individualized.

FIG. 2A-2B shows yet another embodiment of the inner shaft sleeve 210 which fits into an outer grip sleeve. In this embodiment the inner shaft sleeve 210 has top surface 293, opening to a channel 222. Within this embodiment, the channel comprises of a series of horizontal slots 296, wherein the horizontal slots 296 open up to a vertical groove 294. The outer grip sleeve comprises of a grip 228 wherein within the grip there may be projections 226. In this embodiment, the outer grip sleeve further comprises a spring mechanism 302 which may be used to offset the difficulty in obtaining manufacturing tolerances. When the outer grip sleeve 212 slides over the inner shaft sleeve 210, the apertures slide down the vertical channel 222, into horizontal slots 296, and up the vertical groove 294 during placement. Herein, in the present embodiment the grip 228 of the outer grip sleeve 212 may have a cushioned inner surface 308 producing a soft feel while golfing and accurate fit. During placement, the projections 226 of the outer grip sleeve 212 slide down the channel 222 until top surface 293 of the inner shaft sleeve 210 contacts a top inner surface 302 of the grip 228.

The grip 228 may comprise an elastic, stretchable area 300 made of stretching or expandable material. The area stretches as downward force continues allowing the projections 226 to engage with the horizontal slot 296, then at which point the elastic layer 300 shortens lifting and holding the projections 226 into the vertical groove 294. The outer grip sleeve comprises of a grip 228 wherein within the grip there may be apertures or grooves 226. In this embodiment, the outer grip sleeve further comprises a spring mechanism 302 which may be used to offset the difficulty in obtaining manufacturing tolerances. When the outer grip sleeve 212 slides over the inner shaft sleeve 210, the apertures slide down the vertical channel 222, into horizontal slots 296, and up the vertical groove 294 during placement. Herein, in the present embodiment the grip 228 of the outer grip sleeve 212 may have a cushioned inner surface 308 producing a soft feel while golfing and accurate fit. During placement, the apertures or grooves 226 of the outer grip sleeve 212 slide down the channel 222 until top surface 293 of the inner shaft sleeve 210 contacts a top inner surface 302 of the grip 228.

The grip 228 may comprise an elastic, stretchable area 300 made of stretching or expandable material. The area stretches as downward force continues allowing the apertures 226 to engage with the horizontal slot 296, then at which point the elastic layer 300 shortens lifting and holding the apertures 226 into the vertical groove 294. To remove the outer grip sleeve 212 from the inner shaft sleeve 210, the user may apply a downward pressure and rotation. The downward pressure and rotation disengages the components. In another embodiment, the vertical grooves 294 in the inner shaft sleeve 210 may be curved, dimpled, or be of various shapes dependent on the manufacturer.

FIGS. 3A-B illustrates another embodiment of an interchangeable golf grip mechanism, comprising an inner shaft sleeve 470 and an outer grip sleeve 471. In this embodiment, the outer grip sleeve 471 comprises a grip 464 and an additional insert 466 for additional support and cushion. Further in this embodiment, the outer grip sleeve does not necessarily have apertures for locking the outer sleeve to the inner sleeve. Instead, the outer grip sleeve 471 comprises of a central locking aperture 480. The inner shaft sleeve may comprise a channel and lateral slots. In this embodiment, there may be a key lock locking mechanism 462. The key lock locking mechanism 462 comprises a key cut 476, a constriction 474, and a top portion 472. The top portion 472 may be plain or decorated with designs, owners name, phone number (in case of loss or theft) or the like. The central locking aperture 480 of the outer grip sleeve 471 interacts with the key lock locking mechanism 462. The central locking aperture 480 is designed to match the cross section of the key lock locking mechanism 476. Further, the central locking aperture and the key locking mechanism when engaged are designed to provide anti-rotation of components and accidental disengagement. The key lock locking mechanism may be constructed with shapes such as a square, rectangular, oval, star, or the like. In practice, the key lock locking mechanism 462 is placed through the central locking aperture 480 of the outer grip sleeve 471 until constriction 474 passes through grip material, providing retention for the key lock locking mechanism 462. FIG. 3B illustrates the embodiment, wherein the outer grip sleeve 471 is assembled over the inner shaft sleeve 470 and the key lock locking mechanism 462 is engaged in the central locking aperture 480 and locked into place.

Different companies market and sell putters and one company who offers a putter with an interchangeable grips, shafts and club heads may be manufactured to possess different configurations such that grips, shafts and club heads of one company wouldn't fit the grips, shafts and club heads of another company. This would eliminate companies which make grips from supplying replacements.

The greatest opportunity for implementation of this concept may well be with putters. The ability to have different grips and different club heads connect with different length shafts creates an exponential number of choices for the user. Just as different golfers require different putter lengths, many different golfers desire different grip sizes, shapes, appearances, as well different putter heads. Therefore, retail stores and pro shops would be required to stock different grips, shafts and club heads, which would require minimal space when compared to the same number of putters, to achieve similar results.

FIG. 4A illustrates another embodiment of an interchangeable golf grip mechanism, comprising an inner shaft sleeve 570 and an outer grip sleeve 571. In this embodiment, the outer grip sleeve 571 comprises a grip 564 and an additional insert 566 for additional support and cushion. Further in this embodiment, the outer grip sleeve does not necessarily have apertures for locking the outer sleeve to the inner sleeve. Instead, the outer grip sleeve 571 comprises of a central locking aperture 580. The inner shaft sleeve may comprise a channel and lateral slots. In this embodiment, there may be a key lock locking mechanism 562. The key lock locking mechanism 562 comprises a screw locking mechanism 576, a constriction 574, and a top portion 572. The top portion 572 may be plain or decorated with designs, owners name, phone number (in case of loss or theft) or the like.

The central locking aperture 580 of the outer grip sleeve 571 interacts with the key lock locking mechanism 562. The central locking aperture 580 has screw threads and is designed to match the screw threads of the screw locking mechanism 576. Further, the central locking aperture and the screw locking mechanism when engaged are designed to provide anti-rotation of components and accidental disengagement. In practice, the screw locking mechanism 562 is screwed into the central locking aperture 580 of the outer grip sleeve 571 until constriction 574 passes through grip material, providing retention for the key lock locking mechanism 562. FIG. 4B illustrates the embodiment, wherein the outer grip sleeve 571 is assembled over the inner shaft sleeve 570 and the key lock locking mechanism 562 is engaged in the central locking aperture 580 and locked into place.

A method for assembling the interchangeable sports grip is also included, wherein a user, at point of purchase may place the inner shaft sleeve over the shaft body of a sport's shaft like a golf club. Then the user slides the outer grip sleeve down over the inner shaft sleeve and aligns the lateral slots of the channel with the projections members of the grip member. Once the lateral slots and the projection members are aligned, the user may rotate the outer grip sleeve ninety degrees so that the lateral lots of the channel lock within the projection members of the grip member.

Upon completing the steps above, the user possesses a new grip on his sport's stick and the sport's stick is ready to use immediately in the sport game.

In yet another embodiment, the interchangeable sports grip apparatus may be designed specifically as a golf grip apparatus. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the golf grip apparatus 600 may be removeable and allow the golfer to easily change and adjust his grips throughout a round of golf. He may also easily replace a grip when it may become worn down. The golf grip apparatus 600 may comprise of a cylindrical shaft sleeve 608 consisting of a first channel 602, a second channel 604, and a third channel 606. The first channel 602 and the second channel 604 are in communication at a 90 degree angle and the second channel 604 and the third channel 606 are in communication at a 90 degree angle. Thus, the first channel 602 and the third channel 606 are parallel to each other and the overall channels together form an L-shape contiguous channel. There may also be a cylindrical out grip member 610 consisting of an inner surface 614 and an outer surface 612 and a protrusion member 616. The protrusion member 616 is attached to the inner surface 614 and the protrusion member 616 is disposed to slidably communication with the first channel 602, the second channel 604, and the third channel 606 of the cylindrical shaft 608. There may also be a locking system disposed to constrain the cylindrical shaft sleeve with the cylindrical outer grip member. The locking system may comprises a screw mechanism, a key cut, a constriction, and a top portion, similar to what is illustrated in FIGS. 3A-4B.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the golf grip embodiments in order that the claims thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. 

1. An interchangeable sports grip apparatus comprising: an inner shaft sleeve, comprising, at least one channel comprising at least one lateral slot; an outer grip sleeve, comprising, a grip member, comprising at least one internally disposed projection member which extends inwardly from the inner surface of the grip member; wherein, the outer grip sleeve fits over the inner shaft sleeve in slidable communication and the at least one internally disposed projection member engages the at least one lateral slot in slidable communication; at least one lateral slot end portion; wherein rotation of the outer grip sleeve with respect to the inner shaft sleeve disposes the internally disposed projection member to engage the at least one lateral slot and the at least one lateral slot end portion; and, a locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism secures the outer grip sleeve to the inner shaft sleeve.
 2. The interchangeable sports grip apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one lateral slot comprises at least two lateral slots.
 3. The interchangeable sports grip apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one lateral slot comprises at least three lateral slots.
 4. The interchangeable sports grip apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one lateral slot comprises at least four lateral slots.
 5. The interchangeable sports grip apparatus of claim 1, wherein. the locking mechanism. comprises a screw mechanism.
 6. The interchangeable sports grip apparatus of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism is a key lock locking mechanism comprising a key cut, a constriction, and a top portion.
 7. The interchangeable sports grip apparatus of claim 1, wherein the configuration of the at least one internally disposed projection member may be selected from the group consisting of round, square, triangular, oval, rectangular and trapezoidal.
 8. An interchangeable sports grip apparatus comprising: an inner shaft sleeve, comprising, at least one channel comprising at least one lateral slot; an outer grip sleeve, comprising, a grip member, comprising at least one internally disposed projection member which extends inwardly from the inner surface of the grip member; wherein, the outer grip sleeve fits over the inner shaft sleeve in slidable communication and the at least one internally disposed projection member engages the at least one lateral slot in slidable communication; at least one lateral slot end portion; wherein rotation of the outer grip sleeve with respect to the inner shaft sleeve disposes the internally disposed projection member to engage the at least one lateral slot and the at least one lateral slot end portion; and, a locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism secures the outer grip sleeve to the inner shaft sleeve.
 9. A. method of assembling the interchangeable sports grip apparatus of claim 8 comprising the steps of: placing the inner shaft sleeve over a shaft body of a sport shaft; sliding the outer grip sleeve down over the inner shaft sleeve; aligning the lateral slots of the channel with the projection members of the grip member; and rotating the outer grip sleeve ninety degrees, so that the lateral slots of the channel lock within the projection members of the grip member.
 10. A. removably attached golf grip apparatus consisting of: a cylindrical shaft sleeve consisting of a first channel, a second channel and a third channel; wherein the first channel and the second channel are in communication at a 90 degree angle and wherein the second channel and the third channel are in communication at a 90 degree angle and wherein the first channel and the third channel are substantially parallel; an cylindrical outer grip member consisting of an inner surface and an outer surface and a protrusion member, wherein the protrusion member is attached to the inner surface and wherein the protrusion member is disposed to slidably communicate with the first channel, the second channel and the third channel of the cylindrical shaft sleeve; and a locking system disposed to constrain the cylindrical outer grip member to the cylindrical shaft sleeve.
 11. inc removably attached golf grip apparatus of claim 10 wherein the first channel, the second channel and the third channel form an L-shaped contiguous channel.
 12. The removably attached golf grip apparatus of claim 10, wherein the locking system comprises a screw mechanism.
 13. The removably attached grip apparatus of claim 10, wherein the locking system comprises a key cut, a constriction, and a top portion.
 14. The removably attached grip apparatus of claim 10, wherein the configuration of the protrusion member may be selected from the group consisting of round, square, triangular, oval, rectangular or trapezoidal. 